Fixture which provides access control

ABSTRACT

A fixture includes a support structure having a flexible arm which carries an input device. The input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier and controls its operation. The flexible arm flexes in response to an applied force so that the input device can move if it is engaged by a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a fixture which operates a moveable vehicle barrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many different types of moveable vehicle barriers, such as access gates and overhead doors. These moveable vehicle barriers allow and restrict the access of a vehicle to an architectural structure, such as a parking garage. A moveable vehicle barrier typically operates in response to an input signal, which is provided to an input device in communication with it. The input signal can be provided in many different ways, such as in response to security information or in response to collecting money. Several examples of moveable vehicle barriers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,146, 4,360,796 and 6,157,314.

The input device is typically positioned near a driveway extending into the architectural structure. However, there are several problems with positioning the input device near the driveway. One problem is that it is difficult to position the vehicle so that the operator can access the input device. The operator cannot access the input device without exiting the vehicle if the vehicle is positioned too far from it. Further, the vehicle can engage the input device if the vehicle is positioned too close to it.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention employs a fixture which includes a support structure and a flexible arm that carries an input device. The flexible arm flexes in response to an applied force so that the input device can move if it is engaged by a vehicle. The support structure can be positioned proximate to a curb and the vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb. The fixture can include a light carried by the support structure, wherein the light is directed at the input device.

The input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier. In one embodiment, the input device is in communication with the moveable vehicle barrier through a cable which extends through the flexible arm. The input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a fixture, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 b is a partial cut-away side view of a flexible arm which can replace the flexible arm of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light fixture, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are side and top views, respectively, of a flexible arm and curb, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are top views of the flexible arm of FIG. 1 a in unflexed and flexed positions, respectively, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 a is a flow diagram of a method of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 b is a flow diagram of a method of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of a method of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a fixture 100 which includes a flexible arm 103, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, fixture 100 includes a support structure 101 having a post 102, wherein flexible arm 103 is carried by post 102. Support structure 101 can be of many different types of support structures, but it generally supports flexible arm 103 so it is held at a desired position.

In accordance with the invention, an input device 107 is coupled with post 102 by flexible arm 103. As discussed in more detail with FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, flexible arm 103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions, so that input device 107 is moveable in response to a force being applied to it. The force can be applied to input device 107 in many different ways, such as by engaging it with a vehicle. Flexible arm 103 allows input device 107 to move when engaged by the vehicle so that it, as well as the vehicle, experience less damage.

Flexible arm 103 can be of many different types, but here it is embodied as a cover 104 that includes a flexible material. The flexible material can be of many different types, such as rubber and plastic. Another embodiment of a flexible arm is discussed in more detail below with FIG. 1 b.

Input device 107 can be of many different types, but here it operates as a controller for a moveable vehicle barrier. More information regarding moveable vehicle barriers is provided with FIGS. 5 a and 5 b. In this embodiment, input device 107 includes a keypad 108 for inputting a security code for operating the moveable vehicle barrier. In this way, input device 107 operates as a security input device. An example of an input device having a keypad is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,728,954 and 5,015,829. An example of an input device having a card reader is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,971,505 and 4,778,324.

In this embodiment, input device 107 includes an outer cover 109 which houses control electronics operatively coupled to keypad 108. Outer cover 109 is attached to flexible arm 103 with brackets and fasteners (not shown). Outer cover 109 and flexible arm 103 are typically hermetically sealed together to restrict the flow of moisture into them. This is useful to protect the electronics and cables housed within cover 109 and flexible arm 103. It should be noted that outer cover 109 and flexible arm 103 are hermetically sealed together when flexible arm 103 is in the flexed and unflexed positions. Further, outer cover 109 and flexible arm 103 are hermetically sealed together when flexible arm 103 moves between the flexed and unflexed positions.

Input device 107 can be in communication with the moveable vehicle barrier in many different ways, such as wirelessly. In this embodiment, however, input device 107 is in wired communication with the moveable vehicle barrier through a cable 106. Cable 106 extends through a channel 105 of flexible arm 103, as well as through post 102. In this way, cable 106 extends through support structure 101. It should be noted that cable 106 generally flows one or more signals. For example, cable 106 can flow an input signal, as well as a power signal for powering input device 107. The input signal controls the operation of the moveable vehicle barrier, so the moveable vehicle barrier allows and restricts access. In this way, fixture 100 provides access control.

FIG. 1 b is a partial cut-away side view of a flexible arm 113 which can replace flexible arm 103 of FIG. 1 a. In accordance with the invention, flexible arm 113 includes a spring 110 connected between post 102 and input device 107. Spring 110 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions so that input device 107 can move in response to applying a force to it. Spring 110 can be of many different types, such as those typically used in garage doors. These types of springs are often referred to as torsion springs and extension springs.

In this embodiment, flexible arm 113 includes a cover 111 which covers spring 110. Cover 111 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions in response to spring 110 moving between flexed and unflexed positions. It should be noted that cover 111 can be the same or similar to cover 104 discussed above. It should also be noted that cable 106 (not shown) can extend inside or outside of spring 110. When cable 106 extends inside of spring 110, spring 110 protects it from being damaged. It should also be noted that flexible arms 103 and 113 are more flexible than post 102.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light fixture 120 which includes flexible arm 103, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, light fixture 120 includes a support structure 121 having a light post 122 which carries a light 114. Light post 122 holds light 114 above flexible arm 103 so that light 114 operates as an overhead light. Light 114 can be of many different types, but here it includes a cylindrical base 114 a which houses a plurality of light emitters 114 b. The light emitters can be of many different types, such as incandescent lamps and light emitting diodes.

In accordance with the invention, support structure 121 includes flexible arm 103, wherein flexible arm 103 is carried by light post 122. Further, input device 107 is coupled with light post 122 by flexible arm 103. As discussed above, flexible arm 103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions, so that input device 107 is moveable in response to a force being applied to it. It should be noted that one or more of lights 114 b can be directed at input device 107 so that light emitted by light 114 illuminates input device 107. It should also be noted that flexible arm 103 can be replaced with flexible arm 113 of FIG. 1 b.

In this embodiment, cable 106 (FIG. 1 a) extends through flexible arm 103 and light post 122. Further, a light cable (not shown) is connected to light 114 and extends through light post 122, wherein the light cable provides a power signal to light emitters 114 b.

In this embodiment, light post 122 extends upwardly from a curb 115 and curb 115 extends along a driveway (not shown). The moveable vehicle barrier in communication with input device 107 allows and restricts the movement of a vehicle along the driveway. The operator of the vehicle positions the vehicle so that he or she can access input device 107 by providing an input to keypad 108. If the vehicle is moved too close to curb 115, the vehicle can hit it and damage curb 115 and the vehicle. For example, a tire of the vehicle can engage curb 115 and leave unsightly scuff marks on it. Further, when the tire contacts the curb, it can scratch and dent the tire rim.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are side and top views, respectively, of flexible arm 103 and curb 115. The side view of FIG. 3 a is the view looking in a direction 119 of FIG. 2. In this embodiment, flexible arm 103 extends over curb 115 so that input device 107 is held over a driveway 116 by a distance D. In accordance with the invention, distance D is chosen so that input device 107 can be engaged by the vehicle without the vehicle engaging curb 115. In some embodiments, distance D is chosen so that input device 107 is not held over curb 115. Distance D can be determined in many different ways. In this embodiment, distance D is the distance that a vehicle on driveway 116 can be from curb 115 without engaging input device 107 when flexible arm 103 is unflexed.

In accordance with the invention, input device 107 is moveable, as indicated by a direction arrow 117 (FIG. 3 a), in response to a force F₁ being applied to it. In this example, force F₁ is directed in a direction perpendicular to and away from driveway 116. In other examples, force F₁ can be applied perpendicular to and towards driveway 116. A distance D_(flex1) is zero when flexible arm 103 is in the unflexed position. Distance D_(flex1) is non-zero when flexible arm 103 is in the flexed position. Flexible arm 103 flexes, and input device 107 moves distance D_(flex1), in response to force F₁ being applied to device 107. Flexible arm 103 does not flex, and distance D_(flex1) is driven to zero, when force F₁ is not applied to device 107. In this way, input device 107 can be moved towards and away from driveway 116 in a repeatable manner by flexing and unflexing flexible arm 103.

In accordance with the invention, input device 107 is moveable, as indicated by a direction arrow 118 (FIG. 3 b), in response to a force F₂ being applied to it. In this example, force F₂ is directed in a direction parallel to driveway 116. A distance D_(flex2) is zero when flexible arm 103 is in the unflexed position. Distance D_(flex2) is non-zero when flexible arm 103 is in the flexed position. Flexible arm 103 flexes, and input device 107 moves a distance D_(flex2), in response to force F₂ being applied to device 107. Flexible arm 103 does not flex, and distance D_(flex2) is driven to zero, when force F₂ is not applied to input device 107. In this way, input device 107 can be moved parallel to driveway 116 in a repeatable manner by flexing and unflexing flexible arm 103.

It should be noted that, in some situations, forces F₁ and F₂ can both be applied to input device 107, such as when it is engaged by the hood of a vehicle. In these situations, flexible arm 103 is flexed in response to forces F₁ and F₂, and input device 107 is moved in response, so that distances D_(flex1) and D_(flex2) are both non-zero.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are top views of fixture 100 positioned proximate to curb 115, wherein flexible arm 103 is in unflexed and flexed positions, respectively. In accordance with the invention, flexible arm 103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions in response to engaging and disengaging, respectively, a vehicle 123. It should be noted that, in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, light fixture 100 can be replaced with fixture 120 of FIG. 2.

Input device 107 engages vehicle 123 when vehicle 123 moves proximate to fixture 100 and curb 115 at a distance less than distance D (FIGS. 3 a and 3 b). When vehicle 123 engages input device 107, it applies a force to it, as discussed in more detail with FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. In response to the applied force, input device 107 moves in the direction shown by direction arrow 117 and/or 118 and flexible arm 103 flexes, as shown in FIG. 4 b. Flexible arm 103 flexes so that there is a reduced likelihood of input device 107 and vehicle 123 being damaged when they are engaged together.

Input device 107 disengages vehicle 123 when vehicle 123 moves away from fixture 100 by a distance greater than distance D. When vehicle 123 is disengaged from input device 107, it does not apply a force to it, and distances D_(flex1) and D_(flex2) are driven to zero (FIG. 4 a).

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of a vehicle access system 130 which includes light fixture 120, in accordance with the invention. It should be noted that light fixture 120 can be replaced with fixture 100 of FIG. 1 a. In this embodiment, vehicle access system 130 includes a moveable vehicle barrier 131, wherein moveable vehicle barrier 131 includes a gate arm 133 operatively coupled with a gate arm control box 132. Examples of gate arms and gate control boxes can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,146, 4,360,796, 6,157,314, 6,263,316 and 6,509,826. Moveable vehicle barrier 131 is positioned proximate to driveway 116 and allows and restricts access of a vehicle (not shown) therethrough.

Gate arm control box 132 is in communication with input device 107 through cable 106 (not shown). Gate arm 133 is repeatably moveable between up and down positions, as indicated by a movement arrow 135, in response to a control signal from input device 107. Gate arm 133 is shown in phantom in the up position, wherein the vehicle is allowed to move along driveway 116. Gate arm 133 is also shown in the down position (solid line), wherein it restricts the movement of the vehicle along driveway 116. In this way, light fixture 120 provides access control.

FIG. 5 b is a perspective view of a vehicle access system 140 which includes light fixture 120, in accordance with the invention. It should be noted that light fixture 120 can be replaced with fixture 100 of FIG. 1 a. In this embodiment, vehicle access system 140 includes a moveable vehicle barrier 141, wherein moveable vehicle barrier 141 includes an overhead door 143 operatively coupled to an overhead door controller (not shown). Examples of overhead doors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,964,268 and 6,112,464, as well as in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20050035280 and 20050252613. Moveable vehicle barrier 141 is positioned proximate to driveway 116 and allows and restricts access of a vehicle (not shown) therethrough to an architectural structure 144. An example of an architectural structure embodied as a parking structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,778,324 and 4,971,505.

The overhead door controller that operates overhead door 143 is in communication with input device 107 through cable 106 (not shown). Overhead door 143 is repeatably moveable between up and down positions, as indicated by a movement arrow 145, in response to a control signal from input device 107. Overhead door 143 moves between up and down positions to allow and disallow access to architectural structure 144, respectively. In this way, light fixture 120 provides access control to an architectural structure.

FIG. 6 a is a flow diagram of a method 200 of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, in accordance with the invention. The moveable vehicle barrier can be of many different types, such as those discussed in more detail above. In this embodiment, method 200 includes a step 201 of providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm that carries an input device operatively coupled with the moveable vehicle barrier.

In this embodiment, method 200 includes a step 202 of applying a force to the input device so that the flexible arm flexes. Method 200 includes a step 203 of flowing an input signal to the moveable vehicle barrier by inputting information in the input device. The information can be inputted in the input device when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions. The information can be of many different types, such as security information. The moveable vehicle barrier operates in response to the correct security information being inputted into the input device. For example, the moveable vehicle barrier can move between closed and open positions in response to the correct security information being inputted into the input device. When the moveable vehicle barrier is in the closed position, a vehicle is not allowed to pass. When the moveable vehicle barrier is in the open position, the vehicle is allowed to pass.

FIG. 6 b is a flow diagram of a method 210 of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, method 210 includes a step 211 of providing a first input device in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier. Method 210 includes a step 212 of removing the first input device and replacing it with a second input device carried by a flexible arm. In some embodiments, method 210 includes a step of positioning the flexible arm so that the second input device extends a distance from a curb. In some embodiments, method 210 includes a step of establishing communication between the second input device and the moveable vehicle barrier. Communication between the second input device and moveable vehicle barrier can be established in many different ways such as by using a cable. Method 210 can include a step of extending the cable through the flexible arm.

FIG. 6 c is a flow diagram of a method 220 of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, method 220 includes a step 221 of providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm. Method 220 includes a step 222 of attaching an input device to the flexible arm and a step 223 of establishing communication between the input device and a moveable vehicle barrier. In some embodiments, method 220 includes a step of positioning a light with the support structure and directing the light at the input device. It should be noted that the steps of methods 200, 210 and 220 can be carried out in many different orders. Further, the steps of methods 200, 210 and 220 can be combined together in many different ways to provide methods of installing a vehicle access system and controlling a moveable vehicle barrier.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A fixture, comprising: a support structure which includes a flexible arm; and an input device carried by the flexible arm, the input device being moveable in response to moving the flexible arm between flexed and unflexed positions; wherein the input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier.
 2. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a light directed at the input device.
 3. The fixture of claim 1, further including a cable which extends through the flexible arm, the input device and moveable vehicle barrier being in communication through the cable.
 4. The fixture of claim 3, wherein the moveable vehicle barrier is repeatably moveable between open and closed positions in response to a control signal from the input device.
 5. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed positions.
 6. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm moves between the flexed and unflexed positions in response to the input device engaging and disengaging, respectively, a vehicle.
 7. The fixture of claim 1, wherein the input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions.
 8. A fixture, comprising: a support structure which includes an outwardly extending flexible arm; and an input device carried by the flexible arm, wherein the flexible arm moves between flexed and unflexed positions in response to the input device engaging and disengaging, respectively, a vehicle.
 9. The fixture of claim 8, wherein the support structure is positioned proximate to a curb and the vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb.
 10. The fixture of claim 9, wherein the flexible arm extends over the curb.
 11. The fixture of claim 8, wherein the flexible arm is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed positions.
 12. The fixture of claim 8, wherein the input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier.
 13. The fixture of claim 12, wherein the input device flows a control signal through the flexible arm to a moveable vehicle barrier in response to a desired input.
 14. The fixture of claim 8, wherein the input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed.
 15. A method of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, comprising: providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm; mounting an input device so it is carried by the flexible arm, the input device being moveable in response to moving the flexible arm between flexed and unflexed positions; and establishing communication between the input device and moveable vehicle barrier.
 16. The method of claim 15, further including mounting a light so it is carried by the support structure and directed at the input device.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of establishing communication between the input device and moveable vehicle barrier includes positioning a cable so it is carried by the flexible arm.
 18. The method of claim 15, further including moving the moveable vehicle barrier between open and closed positions in response to a control signal from the input device.
 19. The method of claim 15, further including repeatably moving the flexible arm between the flexed and unflexed positions.
 20. The method of claim 15, further including positioning the support structure so the flexible arm extends over a curb.
 21. The method of claim 20, further including positioning the support structure so a vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb.
 22. A method of installing a vehicle access system, comprising: providing a first input device in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier; and replacing the first input device with a second input device carried by a flexible arm.
 23. A method of installing a vehicle access system, comprising: providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm; attaching an input device to the flexible arm; and establishing communication between the input device and a moveable vehicle barrier. 